Official announcements from the US Department of State or Department of the Treasury

Iranian-backed Houthis Strike M/V Verbena in Gulf of Aden on June 13, 2024, Injuring Mariner

Jun 13, 2024, 08:05 PM

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has reported that Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi forces launched two anti-ship cruise missiles into the Gulf of Aden on June 13, 2024, striking the M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier. The attack caused significant damage and fires on board, resulting in the severe injury of one civilian mariner. The M/V Verbena was transporting wooden construction supplies from Malaysia to Italy at the time of the attack. The injured mariner was medically evacuated by the USS Philippine Sea. CENTCOM has condemned the attack, stating it poses a threat to regional stability and maritime safety.